Hawaii becomes 50th state - Aug 21, 1959 - HISTORY.com Hawaii becomes 50th state Publisher A+E Networks The modern United States receives its crowning star when President Dwight D. Eisenhower signs a proclamation admitting Hawaii into the Union as the 50th state. The president also issued an order for an American flag featuring 50 stars arranged in staggered rows: five six-star rows and four five-star rows. The new flag became official July 4, 1960. The first known settlers of the Hawaiian Islands were Polynesian voyagers who arrived sometime in the eighth century. In the early 18th century, American traders came to Hawaii to exploit the islands’ sandalwood, which was much valued in China at the time. In the 1830s, the sugar industry was introduced to Hawaii and by the mid 19th century had become well established. American missionaries and planters brought about great changes in Hawaiian political, cultural, economic, and religious life. In 1840, a constitutional monarchy was established, stripping the Hawaiian monarch of much of his authority.

In 1893, a group of American expatriates and sugar planters supported by a division of U.S. Marines deposed Queen Liliuokalani, the last reigning monarch of Hawaii. One year later, the Republic of Hawaii was established as a U.S. protectorate with Hawaiian-born Sanford B. Dole as president. Many in Congress opposed the formal annexation of Hawaii, and it was not until 1898, following the use of the naval base at Pearl Harbor during the Spanish-American War, that Hawaii’s strategic importance became evident and formal annexation was approved. Two years later, Hawaii was organized into a formal U.S. territory. During World War II, Hawaii became firmly ensconced in the American national identity following the surprise Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor in December 1941. In March 1959, the U.S. government approved statehood for Hawaii, and in June the Hawaiian people voted by a wide majority to accept admittance into the United States. Two months later, Hawaii officially became the 50th state.

Related Videos Statehood Day - Hawaii's Forgotten Holiday Statehood Day - Hawaii's Forgotten Holiday Statehood Day - Hawaii's Forgotten Holiday Despite Overwhelming Support for Statehood, Holiday is Ignored in Hawaii Flag of Hawaii. Alan Baxter / Getty Images By John Fischer Updated June 20, 2016. The third Friday in August is Statehood Day in Hawaii (formerly called Admission Day). It was on August 21, 1959, that Hawaii became the 50th state in the Union. Standoff at 'Iolani Palace In 2006, a small group (under 50) of folks organized by State Senator Sam Slom (R, Hawaii Kai) met at `Iolani Palace to celebrate the anniversary of Statehood at the place "where statehood was declared." A larger group of people including, but not limited to, those with Hawaiian blood organized a protest, reportedly drowning out the smaller group. While there was a lot of shouting and some name calling, the encounter was non-violent, as have been all such encounters over the past years. Each group has, historically, had what appear to be valid issues.

The "Hawaiian" group felt that the choice of the `Iolani Palace was inappropriate since it is a special place for Hawaiians as the former home of the last monarchs. The issue is even touchier since it was in the `Iolani Palace that Hawaii's last queen, Lili`uokalani, was kept under house arrest following her overthrow on Jan. continue reading below our video Tipping Etiquette Around the World 17, 1893. Native Hawaiian Issues The ongoing conflict between native Hawaiian groups and those who support the status quo system of government in Hawaii is confusing to most visitors to the islands. It's virtually impossible to explain all of the issues to visitors primarily because there is no single voice in the islands representing those of Hawaiian blood and certainly no universal agreement among Hawaiians as to what they want for the future. This is not to say that those of Hawaiian blood have no valid issues. They do. It is an historical fact, acknowledged by the United States Congress and President Bill Clinton that the overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom was illegal. If anything the Federal Government's acknowledgment of the illegality only opened deeper wounds.

The problem is that if you ask ten people of Hawaiian blood what they want done, you're likely to get 10 different answers. In fact, many are content with the status quo. Why, then a State Holiday? While a debate over these issues is worthwhile, my aim here is to discuss what has become the absurdity of the holiday itself in Hawaii. The third Friday in August is a state holiday in Hawaii. All government offices are closed and workers get the day off. Many of those workers are people of Hawaiian blood. Aside from the closure of government offices, however, a visitor to Hawaii is unlikely to even know that the day is a holiday. Back on June 27, 1959, 93% of voters on all major islands voted in favor of statehood. Of the approximately 140,000 votes cast, less than 8000 rejected the Admission Act of 1959. There were huge celebrations throughout the islands. Statehood Still Has Strong Support In May of 2006 the Grassroot Institute of Hawaii (GRIH) commissioned a survey to gauge support for the Akaka Bill (native Hawaiian rights bill) which was pending in the U.S. Congress.

As part of that survey 78% indicated that they would vote for statehood if the vote were held today. Why No Celebration? Why then is the anniversary of statehood so totally ignored in the islands? As Senator Slom outlined in his op-ed piece in the Hawaii Reporter , "The last 'major' observance of this holiday took place in Candlestick Park, San Francisco, with former Democrat Governor Benjamin Cayetano and area Hawaii residents and visitors. The Governor explained that the celebration in Hawaii had become too controversial, and that it might now be perceived as culturally insensitive by Native Hawaiian leaders." Nothing changed under the administrations of Republican Linda Lingle (2002-2010) and Democrat Neil Abercrombie (2010-2014). The anniversary of statehood is still virtually ignored under the current administration of Democrat David Ige (2014- ). How Absurd is This? The absurdity of the existing situation was even larger during the 50th anniversary of Hawaii statehood in 2009 when public celebrations were quite rare. The largest celebration honoring the occurrence was that government workers got a paid day off, as they had for years.

It's a terrible message to send to Hawaii's children and a totally confusing message to send to visitors. If the intent of state government is to ignore the anniversary of statehood, contrary to the apparent wishes of the majority of Hawaii's residents, then they should eliminate the holiday. I live in Pennsylvania and I could not even tell you the date of our statehood. It's certainly not a holiday here. Apparently Senator Slom proposed just that, i.e. eliminating the holiday, but his bill never was even debated. Such it seems is the power of Hawaii's government labor unions. Once a holiday, always a holiday even if it's not celebrated. I would like to think that by the 75th anniversary of statehood the issues involving the rights of those of Hawaiian blood will be settled. Unfortunately, that's highly unlikely to happen. All we can expect, it seems, is another absurd Statehood Day in Hawaii. Statehood in Hawaii | Aloha Hawaii Canoes Of Ancient Hawaii Statehood in Hawaii “A phone call from Governor Quinn in Washington today is expected to set off the biggest wingding in Island history to celebrate Statehood Day. The Governor will ring Hawaii the minute the House passes the Statehood Bill.

Since the Bill has already passed in the Senate, this will mean that Hawaii is in…Every church bell in town will begin pealing. Every ship in harbor will blow her whistle. Most folks will do a little shouting of their own, and, of course, there’s nothing to stop you from hula-ing in the streets if you want to.”—The Honolulu Advertiser, March 12, 1959 At 10:04 in the morning, the U.S. House of Representatives voted 323 to 89 in favor of granting statehood to Hawaii Thousands of Islands did, indeed, do a little “hula-ing” on that historic day 45 years ago. Dixieland bands took to the streets of Waikiki and played music. Teenagers jitterbugged and waved banners at Iolani Palace. Shops closed and car horns sounded. Outside a schoolyard in Honolulu, thousands of children paraded about, waving signs and stopping only momentarily to dutifully recite “The Pledge of Allegiance.” And outside the suddenly obsolete Statehood Commission Office, someone gleefully hung a hastily scrawled sign.

The sign read “Out of Business.” The 50th State The celebration was all because of this: At approximately 10:04 in the morning (Hawaii Standard Time), the U.S. House of Representatives voted 323 to 89 in favor of granting statehood to Hawaii. As the Honolulu Star-Bulletin pointedly observed, “Congress ended decades of procrastination today and sent to the White House a bill to give the Statehood it has so long deserved.” People of all ages celebrate Hawaii’s statehood Five months later, on August 21, President Dwight D. Eisenhower made it official, signing the proclamation that welcomed Hawaii as the 50th state of the union. Hawaii had been annexed to the United States in 1898 and became a territory two years later. Local historians say that it wasn’t until Pearl Harbor was attacked in 1941 that people on the U.S. mainland fully recognized the importance of Hawaii to the rest of the country. Having served faithfully and with patriotic zeal in World War II, Hawaiians assumed statehood was forthcoming.

In fact, there are several collectibles (including buttons, record labels and license plates) that proudly proclaim Hawaii as “The 49th State.” (That turned out to be premature, as Alaska got the nod in 1958.) But as Hawaiians discovered, it’s still nifty to be fifty. Hawaii songwriter Harry Owens even penned a tune for the occasion: “Hawaii is the fiftieth star in the U.S.A. Aloha means how joyful we are For at last we are brothers today We know that you’ll be happy When Hawaii falls in line We sing a song of gladness as we Join the forty-nine.” Hawaii Becomes our 50th State These scenic islands have a long history. Hawaii Becomes a State August 21, 1959 Hawaii officially became the fiftieth state on August 21, 1959. It is one of the smallest states, and it is the only state made up entirely of islands. The islands are the tops of volcanoes, some of them still active. Hawaii's story begins long before 1959.

The earliest inhabitants were Polynesians who settled in the islands more than 1,000 years ago. In 1778, a British explorer named Captain James Cook named them the Sandwich Islands. He honored his sponsor, the Earl of Sandwich. Thankfully, that name did not stick. How would you like to tell your friends you planned to go to Sandwich on vacation? page 1 of 2 NEA - Diversity Calendar Diversity Calendar 2014 Events Observed by the Diverse People of the United States by NEA Editorial Staff January 1-31 National Mentoring Month Sponsored by the Harvard Mentoring Project, this observance encourages volunteer mentors to help young people from under-privileged backgrounds reach their full potential. Find out more about National Mentoring Month . January 1 Opening of Ellis Island In 1892, the first Ellis Island Immigration Station was officially opened in New York Harbor. By 1924, more than 25 million passengers and crew had entered the United States through the "Gateway to America." The Immigration Act of 1924 restricted immigration, marking the end of mass immigration to the United States.

Visit the Ellis Island website to search passenger arrival records and learn more about the immigrant experience January 1 Emancipation Proclamation Anniversary In 1863, President Abraham Lincoln signed this edict proclaiming that all slaves living within rebelling Confederate states "are, and henceforth shall be, free." Find out more at the National Archives . January 1-3 Japanese New Year Celebration Shogatsu is the celebration of the New Year - the most important holiday in Japan. Entrances are decorated with a Shimekezari. A Shimekazari is a twisted straw rope with fern leaves, an orange, and other items considered good omens. People send New Year's postcards to friends and relatives (to arrive on New Year's Day), decorate their entrances, wear ceremonial attire, visit shrines, and eat mochi (rice cakes). Family members gather in their hometown and spend the time together. People celebrate the New Year with sweet sake called Toso, a soup called Zoni, and Osechi-ryori during the holiday. Find out more at the Japan Guide website .

January 5 George Washington Carver Recognition Day In commemoration of George Washington Carver’s life and work, Congress declared January 5 as George Washington Carver Recognition Day. Find out more at George Washington Carver biography . January 7 Christmas Day (Orthodox) Following the Julian calendar, Greek and Eastern Orthodox Christians celebrate Christmas on or around January 7. January 18 World Religion Day This day was established to foster interfaith understanding and harmony by emphasizing the commonalities underlying all religions. Read more at World Religion Day website . January 19 Martin Luther King Jr. Day - Day of Service Always celebrated on the third Monday in January, this federal holiday honors Reverend King's life and commitment to equality and unity. The Day of Service encourages citizens to follow King's words: "Everybody can be great, because everybody can serve." Read more at the Martin Luther King, Jr. website . Volunteers of all ages work on projects in their communities to honor King’s dedication to community service. See also NEA's Classroom Resources for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day .

January 23 First Native American Senator On this day in 1907, Charles Curtis, of Kaw, Osage, and Pottawatomie ancestry, was sworn in as the U.S. senator from Kansas. From 1928-1933, he also served the nation as vice president with President Herbert Hoover. January 18-22 No Name-Calling Week Hundreds of schools across the country participate in No Name-Calling Week by engaging in educational activities aimed at ending name-calling and verbal bullying of all kinds. This week is aimed at ending name-calling of all kinds and providing schools with tools and inspiration to launch dialogues about ways to eliminate bullying. Learn more at the No Name-Calling Week website . See also NEA's Bully Free: It Starts With Me web page . February February 1-28 Black History Month Begun in 1926 by Black scholar and historian Carter G. Woodson, Black History Month was originally celebrated as a weeklong event. In 1976, Congress expanded the observance to the entire month of February.

Visit these sites for Black History resources: February 9-15 Random Acts of Kindness Week This week can be a springboard for action, a time to focus on goodness and act upon thoughts of generosity that arise spontaneously from the heart. For classroom ideas, go to the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation website and the Kids Activities website . February 12 Abraham Lincoln’s Birthday Abraham Lincoln served as the 16th president of the United States from March 1861 until his assassination in April 1865. He is remembered for leading the Union through the Civil War and freeing Confederate slaves with the 1863 Emancipation Proclamation and for delivering the Gettysburg Address . Learn more about Abraham Lincoln at the White House website . February 16 Presidents' Day On the third Monday in February Americans remember the achievements of two of the nation's greatest presidents. Students across the country learn about the achievements and contributions of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln, whose birthdays both were in February. Learn more about this Federal holiday at the Presidents’ Day page .

February 17 Mardi Gras Mardi Gras, also known as Fat Tuesday (Mardi Gras is French for "Fat Tuesday") or Shrove Tuesday, is the last day of feasting before Lent begins on Ash Wednesday. February 19 Chinese New Year (also called Lunar New Year) To prepare for this major holiday, people clean their homes, buy new shoes and clothing (especially in red), and get new haircuts. The biggest event is the New Year dinner, an elaborate meal that celebrates family ties. The Lunar New Year is celebrated by Chinese, Koreans, and Vietnamese, among others, all over the world with music, dance, costumes, and firecrackers. 2015 is the Year of the Goat. Learn more at the Chinese New Year page . February 20 Frederick Douglass Day On this day in 1895, the famed African-American abolitionist, editor, orator, author, statesman, and reformer died of a heart attack in his adopted hometown of Washington, D.C.

February 22 George Washington’s Birthday On April 30, 1789, George Washington, standing on the balcony of Federal Hall on Wall Street in New York, took his oath of office as the first President of the United States. Read more about George Washington at the White House website . February 23-April 3 Orthodox Lent Eastern Orthodox and Greek Orthodox Lent mark a period of fasting and penitence before Easter. During this period, members of the Eastern Orthodox and Greek Orthodox churches fast and do penance prior to Easter Sunday. Greek Orthodox Easter is April 12. February 18-April 4 Western Christianity Lent Lent is period of fasting and prayer before Easter. The forty days (Sundays are not included in the count) represents the time Jesus spent in the desert overcoming temptation by Satan. The period of Lent is preparation for the annual commemoration of the death and resurrection of Jesus, celebrated during Holy Week. February 23 W.E.B. DuBois Birthday American civil rights activist, sociologist, educator, historian, writer, editor, poet, and scholar, William Edward Burghardt Du Bois was born this day in 1868.

He was the first African-American to hold a Doctorate. March March 1-31 Women's History Month In the United States, March is Women's History Month and the celebration of the contributions of women to events in history and contemporary society. See NEA’s teaching resources, Women's History Month for the Classroom . March 8 International Women's Day International Women's Day honors working women everywhere, celebrating their economic, political, and social achievements. This day is also the anniversary of the 1857 garment and textile workers' strike in New York, one of the first organized actions by women anywhere. See International Women’s Day – Inspiring Change for NEA's statement on the 2015 event. Visit Women's Information Network for ways to participate in the celebration. March 16 Publication of the First Black Newspaper in America In 1827, Samuel Cornish and John B. Russwurm debuted Freedom's Journal, the first African-American-owned and operated newspaper published in the United States. All 103 issues have been digitized and are available at the Wisconsin Historical Society website .

April April 1-30 Child Abuse Prevention Month In the early 1980s, Congress resolved that the week of June 6-12, 1982, should be designated as the first National Child Abuse Prevention Week, in commitment to identifying and implementing solutions to child abuse. The following year, in 1983, April was proclaimed the first National Child Abuse Prevention Month . April 1-30 Autism Awareness Month Learn basic information about autism at the Autism Speaks website and The Autism Program (TAP) of Illinois site . April 2 World Autism Awareness Day Every year, autism organizations around the world celebrate the day with fundraising and awareness-raising events. See the World Autism Awareness Day website . April 3-11 Passover (Pesach) Passover or Pesach is an eight-day long celebration during which Jewish families traditionally commemorate the deliverance of the Jews from slavery in Egypt. The dates for 2015 are from sunset on April 3 through nightfall of April 11. The highlight of the Passover celebration is the ceremony of Seder performed on the first two evenings of Passover. April 5 Easter In the Christian faith, Easter Sunday commemorates Jesus's resurrection.

Lent, Ash Wednesday, and Holy Week mark a period of spiritual preparation for Easter. April 12 Anniversary of First Man in Space Yuri Gagarin become the first man in space on this date in 1961, when he made a one-hour, 48-minute voyage, orbiting Earth in a spacecraft launched by the Soviet Union. April 15-16 Congress established the Days of Remembrance as the nation’s annual commemoration of the Holocaust. April 17-19 Global Youth Service Day Youth Service America publishes a set of posters, toolkits, and curricula guides to help you plan your Global Youth Service Day (or Semester of Service!) event. This year's theme is Youth Changing the World. Find out more at the Global Youth Service Day website . April 24 Take Our Daughters & Sons to Work Day Always the fourth Thursday in April, this program encourages parents to bring their kids to work with them and show them the wide range of jobs available to them.

For more information, see the Daughters and Sons to Work website May May 1-31 Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month A diverse group whose heritages represent more than 50 ethnic groups and 100 languages, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have made enormous contributions to the civic, cultural, and economic fabric of our nation. Read more at these sites: May 1-31 Better Hearing and Speech Month This annual event provides opportunities to raise awareness about communication disorders and to promote treatment that can improve the quality of life for those who experience problems with speaking, understanding, or hearing. Learn more at the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association website . May 4-8 National Teacher Appreciation Week This is the week to thank a teacher and take action to ensure public school educators are recognized, valued, and respected. Visit the National Teacher Day web page to learn more. May 5 National Teacher Day National Teacher Day is a day for honoring teachers and recognizing the lasting contributions they make to our lives. Congress declared March 7, 1980, as National Teacher Day for that year only.

NEA and its affiliates continued to observe National Teacher Day in March until 1985, when the NEA Representative Assembly voted to change the event to Tuesday of the first full week of May. In May of 2009, a bill was introduced in Congress that created a national day of teacher recognition on the Tuesday of the first full week of May. See National Teacher Day web page. May 9 National Children's Mental Health Awareness Day National Children's Mental Health Awareness Day is a day for everyone to promote positive youth development, resilience, recovery, and the transformation of mental health services delivery for children and youth with serious mental health needs and their families. Learn more at the Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration website . May 5 Cinco de Mayo The anniversary of the unlikely 1862 Mexican victory over the French army at the Battle of La Puebla is more widely celebrated in the United States than in Mexico, where it is considered a regional holiday. May 6 National School Nurse Day School nurses work to promote health and provide the best care possible to students and their families. Take time on this day to look at the difference school nurses make in our schools.

See School Nurse Day and learn more about school nurses at the National Association of School Nurses website . May 10 Mother's Day honors mothers and motherhood. May 10. May 10 Completion of Transcontinental Railroad in 1869 Considered one of the greatest American technological feats of the 19th century, this effort connected the Atlantic and Pacific coasts by rail for the first time. The prodigious labor was largely provided by army veterans, and Irish and Chinese immigrants. See the Virtual Museum of the City of San Francisco for more information. May 17 Anniversary of School Desegregation Ruling On this date in 1954, racial segregation in public schools was unanimously ruled unconstitutional by the Supreme Court in Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka , as a violation of the Fourteenth Amendment clause guaranteeing equal protection under the law. May 23-25 Shavuot Beginning at sunset on May 23 and ending on the evening of May 25, this Jewish festival celebrates the giving of the Ten Commandments to Moses and the Israelites.

May 22 International Day for Biological Diversity The United Nations proclaimed May 22 the International Day for Biological Diversity to increase understanding and awareness of biodiversity issues. To learn more, visit the Convention on Biological Diversity website . May 24 Pentecost Sunday Celebrated by Christians, Pentecost Sunday marks the end of the Easter season in the Christian calendar and commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit on the Apostles and Disciples of Jesus Christ. May 25 This holiday commemorates American men and women who have died in military service. June June 5 World Environment Day World Environment Day was started in 1972 by the United Nations General Assembly. Its purpose is to stimulate worldwide awareness about environmental issues and their impact on humans. June 14 Flag Day This day is dedicated to the adoption of the flag of the United States in 1777 by resolution of the Second Continental Congress. For more information, visit the Library of Congress website . June 16 Anniversary of the First Woman in Space In June 1963, Valentina Tereshkova, a Soviet cosmonaut, became the first woman to fly in space when she orbited Earth 48 times in the spacecraft Vostok 6.

A crater on the Moon is named in her honor. June 21 Father’s Day A day honoring fathers, Father’s Day is celebrated in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada on the 3rd Sunday in June, since being made a national holiday in 1966. Celebrated around the world, but on different days throughout the year. June 18 Anniversary of the First American Woman in Space In 1983, Sally Ride became the first American woman in space on the shuttle Challenger (STS-7). read more about Sally Ride . June 17-July 17 Ramadan During Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, Muslims all over the world abstain from food, drink, and other physical needs during the daylight hours. This is a time to purify the soul, refocus attention on God, and practice self-sacrifice. June 19 Juneteenth Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day, commemorates the announcement in Texas in 1865 of the abolition of slavery - two years after President Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation.

July July 4 Independence Day or Fourth of July Independence Day was first celebrated on July 8, 1776 when the Declaration of Independence was read to the public. Congress declared the day a federal legal holiday in 1941. The holiday is celebrated with parades, fireworks, picnics, sporting events, and music, including the "Star-Spangled Banner" and several marches of John Philip Sousa. July 17 Eid al-Fitr This Muslim feast day celebrates the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting. The 3-day festival is known as "Eid" or "Eid al-Fitr," which literally means "the feast of the breaking the fast." Note that in the Muslim calander, a holiday begins on the sunset of the previous day, so observing Muslims will celebrate Eid al-Fitr on the sunset of Thursday, the 16th of July. Based on sightability in North America, in 2015 Eid al-Fitr will start in North America a day later - on Saturday, the 18th of July.

July 26 Anniversary of the Signing of Americans with Disabilities Act 2015 marks the 25th anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a law enacted by the U.S. Congress in 1990 “to establish a clear and comprehensive prohibition of discrimination on the basis of disability." It was signed into law on July 26, 1990, by President George H. W. Bush, and later amended with changes effective January 1, 2009. August August 15 Bon Festival (Feast of Lanterns) The Japanese Buddhist custom to honor the departed spirits of one's ancestors has evolved into a family reunion holiday, during which people return to ancestral family places to visit and clean their ancestors' graves. Celebrated for over 500 years, the event lasts for three days. (In some regions of Japan, the Bon Festival is celebrated in mid-July.) August 15 Feast of the Assumption For Catholics, the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary commemorates the departure of Mary, the mother of Jesus, from this life, and the assumption of her body into heaven. It is the principal feast of the Blessed Virgin.

August 21 Hawaii Admitted to Union On this day in 1959, Hawaii became the 50th state of the United States of America. It is also the last state to be admitted to the union. Hawaii has the largest percentage of Asian Americans of any U.S. state. August 26 Women's Equality Day Introduced by Rep. Bella Abzug (former member of the U.S. House of Representatives, lawyer, writer, news commentator, and feminist) and established in 1971, this day commemorates the passage of the 19th Amendment, the Woman Suffrage Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which in 1920 gave women in the United States full voting rights. Visit the National Women's History Museum for education resources. September September 2 Christa McAuliffe's Birthday Teacher and NEA member Christa McAuliffe (1948–1986) was America’s first "ordinary citizen" in space. Along with six other crew members, she perished in 1986 on board the Space Shuttle Challenger.

September 7 Labor Day Labor Day honors the American worker and acknowledges the value and dignity of work and its role in American life. Labor Day was first celebrated on September 5, 1882, in New York, and continued to be celebrated until June 28, 1894, when Congress passed an act making the first Monday in September of each year a legal holiday. Learn more at Labor Day Resources . September 8 International Literacy Day Celebrated since 1965, when it was established by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), this event focuses on reading from a global perspective. Visit UNESCO and International Reading Association for information and activity ideas. September 15-October 15 Hispanic Heritage Month National Hispanic Heritage Month is a national observance authorized by Public Law 100-402. The observation was initiated in 1968 as National Hispanic Heritage Week but was expanded in 1988 to include the entire 31-day period. See NEA’s National Hispanic Heritage Month resources . September 16 Mexican Independence Day September 16 is Independence Day in Mexico and is considered a patriotic holiday.

Each year, the president of Mexico rings the bells of the National Palace in Mexico City, celebrating the start in 1810 of Mexico's struggle for independence from Spain. September 13-15 Rosh Hashanah (Jewish New Year) The Jewish New Year, also known as the Days of Renewed Responsibility, begins at sunset on day one and ends at nightfall the next day. The event is marked by solemn religious observances. September 17 Citizenship Day (or Constitution Day) On this day in 1787, the 55 delegates to the Constitutional Convention met to sign the Constitution of the United States of America. By presidential proclamation, the entire week is given to observing this important anniversary. Visit the National Constitution Center and the Constitution Day website for more information and teacher resources. September 21 International Day of Peace Established by United Nations resolution in 1982, this event is a global holiday when individuals, communities, nations, and governments highlight efforts to end conflict and promote peace. To inaugurate the day, the "Peace Bell" is rung at U.N. headquarters. The bell is cast from coins donated by children from all continents, as a reminder of the human cost of war.

For information, visit the International Day of Peace website . September 25 School Desegregation Comes to Little Rock On this day in 1957, nine teenagers became the first African-Americans to attend all-White Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas. The ensuing events riveted the nation and focused a spotlight on racism. President Eisenhower intervened and sent federal troops to protect the students and ensure compliance with the Supreme Court's Brown v. Board of Education decision. For more information, go to Central High School National Historic Site . See PBS Newshour Transcript on 40th anniversary (in 1997) September 22-23 Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement) The most solemn day of the Jewish year, and one of the most important, the Day of Atonement is typically spent at synagogue in fasting, reflection, and prayer. Celebration will begin on the sunset of September 22. September 23 Eid al-Adha This holiday is the Islamic Feast of Sacrifice, the most important feast of Islam. The festival recalls Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to Allah. It concludes the Hajj - the annual Muslim pilgrimage to Mecca.

It occurs approximately 70 days after the end of the month of Ramadan. This year, in North America, it starts on September 24. September 27-October 4 Sukkot (Jewish Feast of Tabernacles) Beginning at sunset on the first day, this seven-day festival celebrates the harvest and commemorates the Jews’ passage through the wilderness. October October 1-31 LGBT (was GLBT) History Month LGBT History Month brings awareness to the problems and the achievements of lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender people. Here are some LGBT resources: October 1-31 National Bullying Prevention Month Traditionally held the first week in October, the event has been expanded to include activities, education, and awareness building for the entire month. Check out NEA’s Bully Free: It Starts With Me web pages. October 1-31 Italian American Heritage Month Every year the U.S. president signs an executive order designating the month of October as National Italian American Heritage Month in recognition of the achievements and contributions made to American culture by persons of Italian heritage. See Milestones of the Italian American Experience .

October 2 Gandhi's Birthday & International Day of Nonviolence Mohandas Karamchand “Mahatma” Gandhi is one of the most respected spiritual and political leaders of the twentieth century. Through nonviolent resistance, Gandhi helped free India from British rule. The Indian people called Gandhi “Mahatma,” meaning Great Soul. October 2 Thurgood Marshall Sworn Into Supreme Court In 1967, Thurgood Marshall became the first African American to sit on the highest court in the land. Opposing discrimination and the death penalty, he championed free speech and civil liberties. October 3 Frank Robinson Signed as Major League Manager In 1974, Robinson became the first African American to manage a major league baseball team when he was hired by the Cleveland Indians. October 5 World Teachers' Day Created in 1994 by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), World Teachers' Day is an annual and internationally recognized day devoted to the assessment, improvement, and appreciation of teachers worldwide.

October 6 German American Day In 1987, President Ronald Reagan proclaimed this day German American Day, commemorating the 1683 arrival in America of 13 German families on board a sailing vessel. October 12 Columbus Day Celebrated annually on the second Monday in October, this federal holiday honors all explorers and commemorates Columbus’ sighting of the New World in 1492. It is also a time to remember a group of people who discovered America before Columbus: the nomadic ancestors of modern Native Americans. See Columbus Day resources . October 13-November 12 Muharram (Islamic New Year) The month of Muharram marks the beginning of the Islamic liturgical year. The Islamic year begins on the first day of Muharram, and is counted from the year of the Hegira (anno Hegirae), the year in which Muhammad emigrated from Mecca to Medina (A.D. July 16, 622). October 16 World Food Day Since 1979, this worldwide event has sought to increase awareness, understanding, and informed year-round action to alleviate hunger, malnutrition, and poverty.

October 19 Multicultural Diversity Day Celebrated on the third Monday in October, this day was adopted as a national event by NEA's 1993 Representative Assembly. See Multicultural Diversity Day for more information. October 28 Mix It Up at Lunch Day Mix It Up at Lunch Day is a national campaign that helps K-12 teachers develop inclusive school communities. October 24 United Nations Day In the spring of 1945, representatives of fifty nations gathered in San Francisco to put the final touches to a document of far-reaching consequences - the Charter of the United Nations. The UN Charter went into effect on October 24, 1945. Two years later the UN General Assembly adopted a U.S.-sponsored resolution declaring October 24th United Nations Day. See the United Nations Resources for Educators . October 28 Statue of Liberty Dedication On this day in 1886, President Grover Cleveland dedicated the Statue of Liberty, officially titled "Liberty Enlightening the World." This universal symbol of freedom and democracy was a gift of friendship from the people of France to the people of the United States.

October 29 National Organization for Women (NOW) Founded Since its founding in 1966, NOW has maintained its goal: to take action to bring about equality for all women. Learn more at the NOW site . October 31 Halloween Also known as All Hallows’ Eve—the evening before All Saints Day or All Hallows Day—this event has roots in the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain (SOW-an). In Gaelic culture, it is a celebration of the end of the harvest season and a time to remember loved ones who have died. Today, in the United States and some Western countries, it is customary to wear costumes and take part in revelry. November November 1-30 American Indian Heritage Month November was officially recognized as National American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month in 1990 when President George H.W. Bush signed it into Public Law. See these sites for more information. November 6 Dalip Singh Saund - First Asian American Elected to the U.S. Congress After becoming a citizen in 1949, Saund became active in the Democratic Party in California. In 1956, he was the first Asian American to win a seat in the U.S. Congress.

See more at Asian American Activism in History . November 11 Veterans Day Veterans Day is an annual American holiday honoring military veterans. It is both a federal holiday and a state holiday in all states. U.S. President Woodrow Wilson first proclaimed an Armistice Day for November 11, 1919. In 1938, the United States Congress made the 11th of November in each year a legal holiday - to be celebrated and known as "Armistice Day." Congress amended this act in 1954, replacing "Armistice" with "Veterans," and it has been known as Veterans Day since then. See more at Military.com . November 11-15 Diwali Known as the "Indian Festival of Lights”, this major Hindu holiday signifies the renewal of life, and the victory of good over evil. To celebrate, people light lamps and candles, set off fireworks, and wear new clothes. November 13 Dedication of Vietnam Memorial On this day in 1982, the national war memorial in Washington, D.C. was dedicated after a march to its site by thousands of Vietnam War veterans.

The memorial wall was designed by Chinese American Maya Lin, who was 21 years old at the time. November 16-20 American Education Week NEA's American Education Week (AEW) spotlights the importance of providing every child in America with a quality public education from kindergarten through college, and the need for everyone to do his or her part in making public schools great. See American Education Week . November 26 Thanksgiving Day The first recorded observance of Thanksgiving in America was a religious occasion that did not include the feast now associated with the holiday. On December 4, 1619, a small group of English settlers arrived at Berkeley Plantation on the James River in Virginia. In accordance with their charter, the group observed this day by giving thanks to God. A typical Thanksgiving meal in the United States includes turkey, dressing, sweet potatoes, cranberry sauce, pumpkin pie, and rolls. (From the University of Kansas Medical Center Diversity Calendar.) November 25 International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women In 1999, the UN General Assembly designated 25 November as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.

At least one out of every three women around the world has been beaten, coerced into sex, or otherwise abused in her lifetime - with the abuser usually someone known to her. Learn more by visiting the United Nations website . November 25-December 10 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence Campaign Each year, new partners join the campaign to bring local, national, and global attention to the various forms of violence that women face and to look at the structures in place that permit gender-based violence to exist and persist. December December 7-11 Inclusive Schools Week This annual event, sponsored by the Inclusive Schools Network (ISN), celebrates the progress that schools have made in providing a supportive, quality education to students who are marginalized due to disability, gender, socioeconomic status, cultural heritage, language preference, and other factors. It provides an important opportunity for educators, students, and parents to discuss what else needs to be done to ensure that their schools continue to improve their ability to successfully educate all children.

December 10 Human Rights Day The anniversary of the United Nations General Assembly's adoption in 1948 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights—a document establishing a common standard for human achievement for all peoples and nations, rooted in the values of freedom, equality, solidarity, tolerance, respect, and shared responsibility. Learn more about Human Rights Day . See also the United Nations Human Rights website . December 6-14 Hanukkah Hanukkah, the Jewish Festival of Lights, commemorates the Maccabees military victory over the Greek Syrians and the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. The festival is observed by the lighting of a special candelabrum, the Menorah, with one additional light lit on each night of the holiday, progressing to eight on the final night. See Chanukah resources . December 25 Christmas Christmas is an annual holiday celebrated on December 25 that commemorates the birth of Jesus of Nazareth. In Christianity, Christmas marks the beginning of the larger season of Christmastide, which lasts twelve days. Traditions include the sending of cards, decorating with poinsettias and a Christmas tree, singing Christmas carols, and giving gifts.

December 26-January 1 Kwanzaa Kwanzaa is an African-American holiday based on the agricultural celebration of Africa called “the first fruits” celebrations, which celebrate the times of harvest, gathering, reverence, commemoration of the past, recommitment to cultural ideals, and celebration of the good. Kwanzaa is celebrated annually December 26-January 1. Learn more about Kwanzaa . December 31 New Year's Eve New Year's Eve is December 31, the final day of the Gregorian year and the day before New Year's Day. In modern Western practice, New Year's Eve is celebrated with parties and social gatherings marking the passing of one year into the next, at midnight. August this day in history For The Month of August 1934 Adolf Hitler becomes Germany's Fuhrer 1943 PT-109 Commanded by Lt. John F.

Kennedy Sunk 1964 Gulf of Tonkin Attack On US Destroyer Maddox 1990 Iraq Invades Kuwait 1914 Germany and France Declare war 1981 US Air Traffic Controllers Strike 1892 The parents of Lizzie Borden found murdered 1941 Nazi Troops Within 50 miles of Kiev 1944 Anne Frank Captured By Germans 1989 US The Savings and Loan Crisis 1934 Dust Bowl Drought Continues In Mid West 1957 "American Bandstand" makes its network debut on ABC 1962 Marilyn Monroe was found dead in her bedroom 1975 Dutch Elm Disease Kills 3 million trees in Britain 1983 At&T Broken Up 1926 Gertrude "Trudy" Ederle Swims English Channel 1945 Nuclear bomb Hiroshima 1965 Voting Rights Act Signed Into Law 1965 Beatles Release the Album "Help!" In UK 1997 Microsoft Buys Stake in Apple Computers 1947 Kon-Tiki Expedition Completes Trip across the Pacific Ocean 1964 Gulf of Ton

kin Resolution Passed 1998 US Embassies Bombed Kenya 2007 Barry Bonds 756th Home Run 1963 "The Great Train Robbery" UK 1974 Richard Nixon Announces his resignation following the Watergate Scandal During a nationally televised broadcast 1976 First Legionnaire’s Disease Harrisburg, Philadelphia 1988 The Burmese 8888 Uprising 1925 Ku Klux Klan Mass Meeting Washington 50,000 marchers 1936 Jesse Owens wins fourth gold medal Berlin Olympics 1945 Atom Bomb Dropped On Nagasaki 1969 Sharon Tate Found Murdered ( Charles Manson ) 1897 Automobile Club of Great Britain Formed 1945 Truman Announces Japanese Surrender 1954 Construction on the St.

Lawrence Seaway began at Massena, New York.

1977 The " Son Of Sam " Serial killer David Berkowitz Arrested 1990 Magellan Space Craft Arrives At The Planet Venus 1929 Babe Ruth first player in the history of baseball to hit 500 home runs 1965 Race riots Watts neighborhood of Los Angeles, California 1991 911 Emergency Number pioneered in Schaumburg 1992 Mall of America Opens 1955 Minimum Hourly Wage Raised To $1.00 Per Hour 1964 South Africa Barred from the Olympic Games 1981 IBM Releases It's First Personal Computer 1990 Tyrannosaurus Rex / Sue Discovered South Dakota 1961 East Germany Border Closed To West Germany 1966 China has announced It's Cultural Revolution 2006 Tokyo Power Blackout 1944 Paris is Liberated by the allies 1953 Iran Military Coup Supported By United States 1958 Packard Cars End Production 1987 Hungerford, UK Killing Spree by Michael Ryan August 20th : 1920 First Commercial Radio Station Detroit, Michigan 19

40 Winston Churchill makes speach "Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few." 1968 "Prague Spring", Czechoslovakia Soviet troops crush protests and restore order.

1989 Marchioness Disaster River Thames London 1911 The Mona Lisa Stolen in France 1959 Hawaii becomes the 50th state in the United States 2006 Saddam Hussein crimes against humanity trial Begins 1902 Cadillac Started In Detroit 1941 Germany Attacks Leningrad 1992 Hurricane Andrew Strikes Bahamas, Florida and Louisiana 2003 Alabama chief justice, Roy Moore, is suspended 1905 New Orleans Yellow Fever Kills Hundreds 1999 West Nile virus Continues It's Spread Around The Country 1948 Berlin Airlift Increases Aircraft Numbers 1954 Communist Party Outlawed United States 1985 Union Carbide Bhopal Disaster 1996 Hurricane Dolly Strikes Mexico 1963 Martin Luther King, Jr.

Gives "I Have A Dream Speech" 1968 10s Of Thousands Anti-Vietnam War Protestors Chicago 1996 Charles, Prince of Wales and his wife, Princess Diana, formally divorce 1949 Russian Troops Mass On The Border Yugoslavia 1949 The Soviet Union test their first atomic bomb 1966 The Beatles play their final US Concert at Candlestick Park in San Francisco 2005 Hurricane Katrina Strikes New Orleans 1935 Wealth Tax Act Passed in the United States 1959 First Mini goes on sale in Britain for £497 1963 Direct Line Set Up Between Moscow and Washington to prevent the possibility of an accidental war 1989 Leona Helmsley convicted and sentenced 1888 Jack the Ripper Kills His First Victim 1954 Hurricane Carol Strikes Long Island, Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island 1997 Princess Diana and Dodi Fayed are killed in a car crash in Paris 2005 Curfew Placed On New Orleans These are only a few of the stories included this day in history pages for each day in August , The People History

Question: August 21st was the anniversary of Hawaii joining the union, the last state to do so, in what year?
Answer: 1959